French hostage in Yemen released with Saudi help: presidency

An image grab taken from a video released by Oman TV, shows Alain Goma (R), 54, a Frenchman held captive in war-torn Yemen for over four months, after his release on October 16, 2018 in neighbouring Oman.
Image Credit: AFP

Paris- France’s president on Tuesday announced the release of a French citizen held hostage in Yemen for more than four months.

President Emmanuel Macron congratulated all those who contributed to the release of Alain Goma, who will be back in France soon.

He described Oman's role as "decisive" and said Saudi Arabia had also provided "assistance."

French media reported that the 54-year-old Goma was on a sailing trip when damage on the ship forced him to dock in a Yemeni port of Hodeida in June, where he was held by Al Houthis rebels.

Yemeni security officials said Al Houthis released Goma from a prison in the capital, Sana’a, which is under Al Houthi occupation.

They said the release came after "intensive" talks between France's envoy to Yemen and Houthi leaders in Sanaa. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to brief reporters.

Macron said he’s grateful to Oman’s Sultan Qaboos Bin Said and Omani authorities for their “decisive” role.

Oman, which has warm relations with most countries in the region has often served as a mediator in high-stakes negotiations. Macron also thanked Saudi authorities for their help.

Goma's family members had last month made the situation of Goma public in French media so that he wouldn't become a "forgotten hostage."

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